College Football Recruiting

Because of the Tide’s long streak of No. 1 recruiting classes, Alabama targets and The Opening are inseparable.

Alabama currently has five commitments and more than a dozen top recruits heading out to Nike’s campus in Beaverton, Oregon, for The Opening camp on July 7-10.

Crimson Tide fans are going to want to follow all the coverage of the annual event in Oregon, as future Alabama stars will be in action against some of the nation’s best high school players.

Several 5-star defensive tackle prospects, a pair of highly rated in-state recruits and a few top skill position players who are currently being recruited by head coach Nick Saban and his staff highlight this list of Tide commitments and targets.

Here’s a quick look at the five pledges and 10 of the biggest targets on Alabama’s board who will be at The Opening.

Alabama fans should get excited for some of their top recruits to represent the Crimson Tide in Beaverton, Oregon, in The Opening Finals.Bleacher Report College Football Analyst Michael Felder breaks down the offensive commits as we…

Alabama head coach Nick Saban is unquestionably the face of his Crimson Tide team, and perhaps college football as a whole. The four-time national champion and three-time SEC Coach of the Year is among the most recognizable figures in all of American sports, setting the stage for sustained success on the recruiting trail.

The program entered unprecedented territory last February, securing its fifth consecutive top-ranked class, via 247Sports’ composite, on national signing day. The Crimson Tide have landed among the top five on that list every year since 2008, which was Saban’s first full cycle with Alabama.

After a relatively “slow” start toward signing day 2016, the Crimson Tide caught first in late spring. Alabama surged to fourth overall in national composite class rankings this month, spurred by 12 commitments during an nine-week stretch.

Saban, known as a tireless pursuer of top-tier high school prospects, surrounds himself with similarly tenacious assistants. It’s a staff that turns “down time” into recruiting-department strategy sessions and casts its net across the country in an attempt to keep momentum moving toward more titles in Tuscaloosa.

Whether or not a team is led by the likes of Saban, Les Miles, Jimbo Fisher or Urban Meyer, a cohesive and consistent group effort within football facilities is required to reel in large volumes of talent. The roster counted on to chase championships four years from now ultimately demands replenishment in the present.

Current 2016 Recruiting Class Rankings

Ranking

Team

Commitments

5-stars

4-stars

1

LSU

17

2

10

2

Florida State

18

3

9

3

Ohio State

16

0

13

4

Alabama

16

0

9

5

Miami

21

0

10

6

Michigan State

20

0

6

7

Michigan

19

0

7

8

Ole Miss

14

1

5

9

Georgia

11

2

4

10

Penn State

12

0

6

247Sports composite rankings

Alabama’s recruiting efforts occasionally require improvisation, including increased attention toward the Texas landscape. When the SEC welcomed Texas A&M into the fold a few years ago, it essentially expanded the conference’s borders, and the Crimson Tide are taking advantage.

Saban signed 5-star cornerbacks (Tony Brown and Kendall Sheffield) from the Lone Star State during each of the past two recruiting cycles. Alabama currently holds three 2016 pledges from Texas products.

Defensive line coach Bo Davis, an original member of Saban’s staff who returned to Tuscaloosa in 2014, plays a big role in this department. He previously served as a Texas Longhorns assistant and continues to claim recruiting victories in the talent-laden region.

Davis played a key role in the recruitment of Sheffield leading up to his 2015 signing. Last month, he helped Alabama beat the Longhorns in a head-to-head showdown for prized Texas defensive tackle Kendell Jones.

“He’s a good guy,” Jones’ head high school coach Channon Hall told Hank South of 247Sports. “We knew him when he was at Texas. It’s always good when our guys see those guys walk through the door.”

Credit: 247Sports

Davis was instrumental in landing Texas DT Kendell Jones.

Davis also served as a key facilitator for a June commitment from fellow Texas standout Jalen Hurts, a 4-star quarterback and Elite 11 finalist.

The Crimson Tide currently hold more 4-star pledges from Texas (three) than the Longhorns (two), and there could be more to come.

Meanwhile, offensive line coach Mario Cristobal is making another strong case as one of the country’s premier recruiters. He finished atop national assistant coach recruiting rankings last cycle and is off to another strong start.

Cristobal, who served as head coach at FIU for seven seasons before coming to Alabama, was the primary recruiter for three 5-star signees in 2015 and already helped land four 4-star offensive linemen in this class.

Since Saban hired him in February 2013, Cristobal has helped Alabama claim 12 blockers who command a prospect rating of 4-star or 5-star. The list is headlined by No. 1 overall 2014 lineman and potential top-10 NFL draft pick Cam Robinson.

His most recent additions along the offensive front—Chris Owens, Deonte Brown and Charles Baldwin—are each 4-star recruits who joined the 2016 class since April.

Credit: 247Sports

Alabama offensive line coach Mario Cristobal continues to help stockpile talent in Tuscaloosa.

Cristobal is part of an offensive staff led by coordinator and quarterbacks coach Lane Kiffin, who made significant recruiting splashes as head coach at Tennessee and USC. He and Saban have evolved the offensive vision, emphasizing more importance on dual-threat quarterback talents like Hurts and 5-star 2015 signee Blake Barnett.

“I’m extremely excited about the chance to play for Coach Kiffin,” Barnett told Bleacher Report. “Obviously, he’s had a lot of success offensively at other places and I think there’s an opportunity to do some new things on that side of the ball at Alabama. They’re going to do some things to get me on the move and out of the pocket.”

This new approach could also help Alabama pluck coveted quarterback Jawon Pass out of Georgia. The athletic 6’5″, 220-pound specimen is expected to decide between Auburn, North Carolina, Louisville and the Crimson Tide when he announces July 13.

Alabama is one of the top recruiting teams in the country, and the Crimson Tide have been the top recruiting program for four straight years, according to 247Sports.Stephen Nelson is joined by Bleacher Report Recruiting Insider Damo…

Alabama has added another major piece to its Class of 2016 in the form of coveted offensive lineman Chris Owens. He confirmed his commitment to the Crimson Tide on Wednesday morning.

Owens posted his college choice on social media:

I am proud to announce that I have committed to the University of Alabama 🌊🐘 #RollTide pic.twitter.com/U0GsXVohxF

— SwiftCat (@ChrisOwens00) April 22, 2015

The Lamar High School product is a 4-star prospect who ranks just outside the top 200 for next year’s incoming class, according to 247Sports’ composite rankings. The outlet notes he also rated as one of the top 10 offensive guards available and had nearly 30 offers.

Owens already sports terrific size for the position at 6’3” and 312 pounds. He combines tremendous strength with good short-area quickness for a player of his size. With those traits, it’s no surprise he also has some experience playing defensive tackle.

Alabama remains a program built on great defense and a reliable running game. Over time, Owens figures to play a key role in that system as an interior lineman. He also keeps the Tide on track for another top-tier recruiting class in 2016.

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. — Alabama had another busy week on the recruiting trail, juggling the final week of spring practice, A-Day and trying to reel in its next crop of recruits.

One offer resulted in a commitment, while another to an in-state prospect put Alabama right in the mix.

Here’s a roundup of Alabama’s offers of the week.

Brendan Scales, 2016 3-Star Tight End

Truly blessed to say that I have received an offer from The University of Alabama #RollTide 🙏🏈🔴⚫️⚪️ pic.twitter.com/MkgvEV26XB

— Brendan Scales (@bscales25) April 15, 2015

Alabama’s latest tight end offer didn’t wait long before taking head coach Nick Saban and the Crimson Tide up on it.

Scales was offered a scholarship on Wednesday, and when he visited the campus on Friday, he committed in the middle of talking with Saban.

He discussed his decision-making process with 247Sports’ Hank South:

We went to Coach Saban’s office and talked to him for about 25 or 30 minutes. We had a good talk, and right in the middle of the conversation was when I decided I was going to commit here. Then Coach Saban kept saying things that made me want to commit more. The tour guide had told us things and Coach Saban would say the same things, so I know they weren’t lying about things and are sincere about what they are about.

It was a huge pickup for Alabama, which has been hot on the trail for tight ends in this recruiting cycle.

Ty Flournoy-Smith will run out of eligibility this year, and if O.J. Howard leaves a year early for the NFL draft—a likely possibility given his physical ability, even if his numbers aren’t stellar—Alabama will be low on tight ends entering 2016.

Scales’ commitment helps curb that for now.

He told South about Saban’s reaction to the news:

Coach Saban was pretty excited when I told him, I guess. You know, he’s not the biggest hype-up guy. He told me right now they planned to have me as an h-back guy, but also I could split out, so really just encompassing the position. He said the defensive staff was really impressed with me on defense too, but they are pretty sure they’re going to keep me at tight end.

Erroll Thompson, 2016 3-Star Inside Linebacker

Just received my 11th offer from The University Of Alabama #Blessed #ROLLTIDE 🐘🏈💪 pic.twitter.com/YUbh9mhh1U

— The Golden Child (@Im3Fly) April 16, 2015

Alabama made an in-state prospect’s dream with an offer this week.

“Words can’t really explain it,” Thompson told AL.com’s Drew Champlin. “I’m just blessed to have an offer and be able to have an opportunity to play for the University of Alabama. It’s really exciting.”

Thompson told Champlin that he got an offer from defensive coordinator Kirby Smart on Wednesday and confirmed it with Saban on Thursday.

“I did a workout and had sent them the tape,” Thompson said. “He’s saying he loved everything about my film and he thinks I’m one of the top prospects in the state. He wanted to offer me and he tells me he likes my quick twitch and the usual.”

Thompson is listed as the No. 38-ranked prospect in the state and No. 37-ranked inside linebacker in the class.

He’s drawing comparisons from Saban to two former Alabama greats at linebacker: Courtney Upshaw and Dont’a Hightower.

Updated UA commitment list after 3 commits are removed while waiting to make final decision http://t.co/GQLzXbA6E3 @BamaOnline247 @247Sports

— Tim Watts (@TimWatts_BOL) January 29, 2015

Most teams would panic at the thought of losing three commits in a day.

But most programs aren’t built like Alabama.

For starters, the Tide’s class has 23 commitments and it still ranks ahead of No. 2 Florida State by more than 22 points in the 247Sports team rankings.

Even if they don’t finish with any additions, their current group is still likely to be among the elite classes assembled in this cycle.

It’s awfully impressive batch of recruits, considering that 20 of the Tide’s 23 pledges have a 4-star ranking or higher. Included in that number are six 5-star prospects and eight total players ranked among the nation’s top 100 players overall.

Despite the loss of Prince, the Tide still have five offensive linemen committed—including 4-star standouts Lester Cotton and Richie Petitbon.

While losing two corners is a significant blow, the loss is mitigated by the Tide’s acquisition of top corners Tony Brown and Marlon Humphrey last year, along with the presence of 5-star corners Kendall Sheffield and Minkah Fitzpatrick, who committed in this cycle.

Also, considering how Saban and his staff have closed in recent years, don’t expect the Tide to be idle down the stretch.

If anything, the extra spots that have opened up make the Tide a bigger factor heading into a national signing day that may have otherwise been quiet.

Two years ago, the Tide pulled stud recruits such as Reuben Foster, A’Shawn Robinson and Alvin Kamara in the days leading up to national signing day.

Last year, linebacker Rashaan Evans chose the Tide over Auburn in a signing-day surprise.

Another note: CeCe Jefferson visited Alabama Friday on his way to Ole Miss and Sunday on his way back from Ole Miss.

— Jamey Barnes (@JBarnesALintel) January 26, 2015

This year, there are still a handful of top prospects still on the radar of Saban and his staff.

Alabama continues to reel in elite reinforcements for its offensive line.

Isaiah Prince, a 4-star tackle, provided a surprise by pledging to the Crimson Tide on Friday, per Ryan Bartow of 247Sports. In turn, the 6’6″, 272-pound prospect cancelled plans to make official visits to Maryland and Ohio State.

He was scheduled to visit the Buckeyes this weekend, while the Terrapins were considered a favorite to land the in-state standout. Maryland garnered 55 percent of expert predictions in 247Sports’ Crystal Ball.

Prince, rated seventh nationally among offensive tackles in 247Sports’ composite rankings, earned U.S. Army All-American honors after his senior season at Eleanor Roosevelt High School. He is considered the top overall prospect in Maryland.

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Alabama hosted Prince for an official visit last weekend and put in enough follow-up work to dissuade him from traveling to Columbus. It’s quite a feat, considering he welcomed freshly crowned national champion Urban Meyer for an in-person visit just three days ago.

Prince offers impressive length along the edge and already displays top-tier pass-protection prowess. He has strides to make as run-blocker and must gain substantial power before taking on SEC opponents, meaning he’ll more likely to compete for playing time down the line.

Barton Simmons of 247Sports weighed in on Prince’s potential.

Isaiah Prince has maybe the best long-term offensive tackle frame in this class. This is not a day-one starter. He needs to add weight, add strength and add polish but his upside based on that length and athleticism is extremely high. Put this kid on the shelf, let him age and in a couple of years he may be one of the best offensive tackles in this class.

Nick Saban has assembled another incredible recruiting class and is less than three weeks away from claiming the top-ranked haul on national signing day for a fifth consecutive year. The group is deep across the board, but is at its best in the trenches.

Alabama now holds commitments from six offensive linemen, including five 4-star prospects.

Early enrollees Dallas Warmack and Brandon Kennedy each rank among the nation’s top 20 guards. Lester Cotton and Richie Petitbon—listed fourth and fifth, respectively, among players at the position—will join them in Tuscaloosa this summer.

Throw Prince into the mix and there is enough premier talent to sustain a strong offensive front for years to come. Remember, freshman All-American Cam Robinson is entrenched at left tackle for at least the next two seasons and already projects as an eventual first-round NFL draft pick.

Brynn Anderson/Associated Press

It’s all great news for an impressive group of offensive playmakers that includes 5-star trio Blake Barnett, Calvin Ridley and Damien Harris.

Barnett, ranked second nationally among pro-style quarterbacks, should have plenty of time to operate in the pocket. This sets the stage for downfield targets to Ridley, the country’s top-ranked receiver.

And then there’s Harris, the nation’s No. 1 running back who figures to fight his way into the Crimson Tide rushing rotation as an underclassman. His decision to spurn fellow finalists Ohio State and Kentucky looks even better now, given the size of those who will be clearing space for him in future seasons.

Offensive linemen are often difficult to project at the collegiate level, considering most arrive on campus in need of significant strength training and revamped technique. Saban’s ability to stockpile talent at the position means potential recruiting “misses” won’t hurt nearly as much at Alabama as they do at other programs.

In Tuscaloosa, the term “next man up” often means another high school All-American is getting his shot in the pecking order. You can now add Prince to the list.

The 6’6”, 305-pounder—who was originally a member of the 2016 class until he was reclassified earlier this year—was previously thought be to favoring Georgia.

The door opened for the Tide and the Tigers when former Bulldogs offensive coordinator Mike Bobo left for the head coaching job at Colorado State and took offensive line coach Will Friend with him.

Which of the heated in-state rivals presents the best fit for the nation’s No. 12-ranked offensive tackle prospect?

4-star OL Chidi Valentine-Okeke played Gus Malzahn in ping pong a few days ago. Today, he faced hoops legend Nick Saban in pop-a-shot

— Keith Niebuhr (@Keith247Sports) December 14, 2014

Alabama

The resume of Alabama offensive line coach Mario Cristobal has gotten Valentine-Okeke’s attention.

“He’s a nice coach,” he told Bartow. “I learned a lot from him at summer camp. He does a great job of putting guys in the first round.”

As noted by Tim Watts of BamaOnline (subscription required), from a measurable standpoint, Valentine-Okeke is a physical freak who would fit in well at a place such as Alabama.

A critical part of Nick Saban’s top-rated recruiting class is the group of five offensive linemen he and his staff have been able to land commitments from.

However, the only one who is listed as a tackle is recent 3-star pledge Matt Womack.

Adding another athletic tackle with a tremendous upside would round out the Tide’s offensive line class.

The Tide are also losing three seniors off this year’s line unit, including right tackle Austin Shepherd.

While they have recruited the offensive line position well, Valentine-Okeke could work his way into the rotation early in his career if he makes a smooth transition to the next level.

USA TODAY Sports

Auburn

Gus Malzahn will have to replace a pair of starters along the interior of his offensive line in 2015.

However, left tackle Shon Coleman and right tackle Avery Young will be entering their junior year next fall. Malzahn and his staff will still need to look ahead to finding the eventual replacements at those spots moving forward.

Similarly to Alabama, three of the Tigers’ four offensive linemen who are committed in the 2015 class are slated to play either guard or center during their college careers.

Adding a talent such as Valentine-Okeke would give them a chance to groom him and prepare him to take over one of the tackle spots as early as 2016.

His impressive frame and athleticism would be a great fit for an offensive line unit that puts a premium on being one of the most well-conditioned outfits in the country.

USA TODAY Sports

Best Fit

In terms of physical talent, Valentine-Okeke is a player who would fit in at nearly every school in the country.

Both Alabama and Auburn have produced their share of standout offensive linemen in recent years, so each school presents him with a chance to reach his full potential.

However, it’s the Tigers that get the slight nod because of the their scheme and a chance to see the field a bit quicker on the Plains.

SanjayKirpalani is a National Recruiting Analyst for Bleacher Report. Unless otherwise noted, all recruiting information courtesy of 247Sports.